You’ve taken the important step of drafting a will, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. While in the final stretch, you still have a few more things to do to ensure your will is valid. You could unintentionally burden your loved ones without proper attention to these details, which most people overlook. Fortunately, our dedicated estate planning attorneys in McAllen can review these details with you and share three areas of improvement in your estate plan.
Meeting Important Criteria
Your will is evaluated based on specific criteria when the probate process begins. Depending on the type of will, it must meet one of the following conditions:
- If your will is an attested will, it must be typewritten.
- For a holographic will, it must be entirely written by the deceased.
- If it’s an oral will, it must be demonstrated that the person could not draft a will in any other manner.
Meeting these criteria is crucial in establishing the validity of your will. Our estate planning lawyers can guide you through this process, ensuring your will meets the required standards.
Pay Attention to the Detail
Regardless of the type of will you choose to draft, it is essential to be thorough and detailed. Failing to do so may result in your loved ones being unable to qualify for their inheritances. When evaluating your assets:
- Make sure to include all relevant details, such as jewelry and vehicles.
- Account for any outstanding debts or creditors; your will should provide clear instructions for addressing these matters.
- Safeguard the interests of your beneficiaries and prevent potential disputes by providing clear instructions in your will.
Consider Including Additional Documents
Include additional documents and roles to make your will as comprehensive as possible. These documents in your estate plan can provide further clarity and guidance for your loved ones. Some examples include:
- Trusts to help protect and manage assets for the benefit of your beneficiaries.
- Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) documents to ensure that your end-of-life medical preferences are honored.
- Medical Powers of Attorney that appoints a trusted individual as your medical power of attorney grants them the authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so.
How Can We Help?
While you may have taken great care in drafting your will, it’s crucial to seek professional guidance to avoid potential pitfalls. Our experienced estate planning attorneys in McAllen can:
- Guide you through the will and estate planning process.
- Help ensure your probate process is seamless for you and your loved ones.
- Draft numerous estate plan documents and sections, including trusts, wills, powers of attorneys, directives, etc.
Read More About Estate Planning
- 4 Common Issues in the Estate Planning Process
- 5 Factors Shared by our Estate Planning Lawyers in McAllen
- 6 Common Estate Planning FAQS from our Lawyers in McAllen – Part 1
Contact Estate Planning Attorneys in McAllen
Contact us today to navigate the complexities of estate planning and avoid any roadblocks that may arise.